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Uber Driver Pros & Cons

The ups and down of being an Uber driver

Like any job, uber driving has its ups and downs. This is a list of commonly acknowledged pros and cons of being an uber driver. These are observed aspects of the job. It's your job to determine the weight and worth of the different considerations.

This topic is up for discussion on the forum - click HERE to share your opinion.

Pros of uber driving

Ultimate flexibility
An Uber driver can work as much or as little as they want. The phone/application can be turned on at any time to work and turned off just as eaily. Thus the driver creates their own schedule on the fly.

No boss overseeing
Although there is a manager for the drivers and sometimes they do give suggestions or pass on critique, for the most part there is no boss saying what to do and when. A driver is on their own prerogative to go where they please when they please. A drivers boss at times can be more the passengers. A driver has to maintain a 4.5 or above rating to not be cut from driving. While riders can get bossy at times, the good thing is it's not long before they are dropped off. The driver rates the passengers as well.

Meeting new people
There are people using Uber around town for all kinds of reasons. You might find there is a general demographic; but you will encounter all types of people of all ages using Uber to get around. Every person that gets in the drivers car creates an opportunity for social interaction.

Seeing new things
As people go to different places for different reasons you will get to see neighborhoods you didn't know about, hear of new events you didn't know were going on, and become more aware of the city that you drive in.

Listening to music or news while you work
Not all jobs allow a worker to listen to the stereo while they work. Although a driver should be conscious of what sounds might disturb a rider, generally listening to the stereo is admissible.

Surge Pricing
Although getting a surge ride (an exponentially increased fare) can be elusive, it can also be lucrative. Especially for big events and holidays; Surge can make the riders fare relatively expensive and the drivers shift a lot more productive for the paycheck. Drivers get 80% of the fare, regardless of the price. Visit our surge forum.

Providing a welcomed service
Generally riders will be very appreciative of the services of a Driver. This can give a driver a feeling of purpose in a community. Providing a service that is both needed, and valued.

Down time
Often times there is down time while waiting for a passenger to request a ride. While on-call, the driver can spend the time as they please. This time factors into the hourly earnings performance, but it's not hard work waiting for a phone to beep.

Seeing how stupid drunk people are
It can be entertaining to see and listen to drunk people. It can also be enlightening to see how ridiculous alcohol can make a person act.

Cons of uber driving

Insurance
You can be dropped by your personal auto insurer if found to be transporting passengers without a rideshare endorsement. This is a complicated issue that is not explained well by Uber or Lyft. Visit our insurance forum for more information.

Work/fares can be slow when you want them to be busy
There can be times when a driver wants to be taking fares and making money but the requets are low or there are too many drivers compared to passengers. It can be frustrating to want to work and be on-call but not be getting any.

No tips *IN-APP TIPPING ADDED JUNE 2017*This driving is one of the few service jobs that doesn't allow tips.

Career limbo
The promise of autonomous cars, jeopardizes the promise of driving as a career. Read more on the future of driving in our autonomous forum.

An ineffective rating system
Customers rate a driver 1 to 5 stars, and unfortunately for drivers, a 4 star average is failing and being terminated.

No interaction with fellow employees (except here)
While it can be great to be working solo, at times a driver might want to communicate with other drivers. Uber doesn't provide a way for Drivers to interact. That's where UberPeople.NET comes in - to network drivers, and provide a 24/7 lunchroom for drivers.

Little recognition from the management/boss
The higher ups at Uber don't do much to recognize good performance of their drivers. You either are doing fine, or you are getting cut. In addition an individual drivers opinion or request can be very minute to the management.

Wear and tear on car
Drivers are responsible for all car expenses. This can add up to significant added depreciation and maintenance/repairs on a vehicle.

Seeing how stupid drunk people are
Drunk people can also be totally obnoxious and unreasonable. A lot of people take transportation to avoid drinking and driving. Although we sincerely believe that is the right thing to do, being ridiculously belligerent is not.